I've been looking into this word and the consensus seems to be that, although it might well originate in music as a pause as suggested, the scriptural usage indicates an instruction to the reader to stop and consider carefully what has been said. In effect, it's a reinforcer: "reflect on the above, because it's important".
I have seen SELAH used as first name in a South Carolina will dated 1787 by her father then in 1795 by her husband. This SELAH was born around 1750 either in North Carolina or South Carolina. I have been told this name is Native American often given to one named Sarah but I have not seen this confirmed anywhere. But based on family records Sarah was a common name for the related family during the period noted above.
The name Selah means "To Pause and Reflect". Specifically used in the Psalms after a passage of scripture. You are supposed to pause and reflect on the previous passage.
It is pronounced Say-la. It is a Christian musical group, but in the book of Psalms it is meant to be an indicator for the reader to stop and weigh what was just said and think on it. Pause and reflect. I've never heard it described anywhere as an American Indian name (and I've done some research on this since this is my daughters name). This beautiful name gives an instant indicator as to how versed a person is. It also gives an awesome opportunity to evangalize your faith. I get really irritated when people pronounce it SEE-la.
-- Anonymous User 4/29/2007
According to the Webster's Dictionary and Dictionary.com, it's pronounced SEE-lah.
This is the name of one of my cousins, and I've always thought it was really pretty. By the way, I don't know how it's originally pronounced, but she pronounces it "say-lah."
I think this should also be considered a masculine name, if only because of its historical usage. Like the name Ashley, it seems that in the US in the 19th century it was much more commonly used as a man's name as opposed to a woman's name. (source: Heritage Quest online census search).
Alright this conversation was interesting me, But my name is Selah. I pronounce it SEE-lah. I did a lot of research on it when my dad told me it was in the bible. It says the definition of it is "Amen" or "the ending to a passage or prayer".
As someone who rifles through old American and European census records for genealogical purposes, I can offer that Selah was a popular male name in the 1700s and 1800s (if not before), along with other Biblical names that are not as popular today.
In the AMC show TURN, set during the American Revolutionary War, Selah ("Say-luh") is the name of a male character.